St. Mark 8th Grader Strives for FAREness

Shaelyn Averaimo, a rising 8th grader at St. Mark School in Stratford, has a life-threatening food allergy and is a strong advocate for herself and other young people like her. She and her family are members of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the world’s largest private funder of food allergy research.

FARE’s mission is to enhance the lives and health of the 32 million Americans with food allergies and provide hope for the promise of new treatments.

Shaelyn was recently approved as a FARE Teen Advisory Group (TAG) member. TAG members are individuals between the ages of 11 and 22 who want to make a difference for people managing food allergies. They work on youth projects, create content for the company’s website, and serve as leaders at national events.

As a TAG member, Shaelyn was invited to write an article for FARE’s blog on challenges unique to teens with food allergies.

In Shaelyn’s blog, “Back to School in a COVID World,” the thirteen-year-old explains that in these uncertain times, the most important consideration with back to school preparation is communication.

“I feel safe at St. Mark School because I know I have the support of my Principal Mrs. Warner, my teachers and school staff along with my classmates and friends.”

“I am very proud of Shae and her leadership and advocacy efforts,” commented Principal Warner. “As a nut aware school, items that contain tree nuts are not permitted in St. Mark School. The faculty and staff work very hard to ensure our classrooms and cafeteria are safe for all students.”

Every year, Shae and her parents participate in FARE conferences, classes, seminars and events for parents, teens and kids all centered around food allergy awareness.

“I hope to help people with food allergies by telling my story and by being someone who understands the everyday challenges we face,” shared Shaelyn.

To read Shaelyn’s blog, https://www.foodallergy.org/fare-blog/back-school-covid-world.

St. Mark School is a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. For more information, visit stmarkschool.org or call (203) 375-4291.